Cartridge for device for controlling air flow circulation of motor vehicle and shutter for such cartridge

Abstract

A cartridge (5) for a device for controlling the air flow circulation of a vehicle is disclosed, the cartridge comprising a frame (6) and a plurality of movable shutters (7, 71, 72) arranged on the frame (6), at least two adjacent shutters (71, 72) being arranged one behind the other along a first axis (100) and being configured to reversibly and rigidly cooperate with each other such that a force applied between the two shutters (71, 72) is applied between the two shutters (71, 72). The upper motion of any one of the shutters (71, 72) is transmitted to the other of the shutters (71, 72).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a box for a device for controlling the circulation of an air flow of a vehicle, for example arranged at a grille or vent of a motor vehicle, and to said device, the box comprising a shutter, in particular a movable shutter. The invention also relates to an apparatus for circulating and / or thermally treating an air flow, for example an apparatus for cooling a heat transfer fluid or a heating, ventilation and air conditioning apparatus, comprising such an apparatus. Finally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle equipped with an apparatus and / or device and / or box according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] The motor vehicle comprises a grille mounted on the front end of the vehicle to circulate an external airflow towards at least one cooling module for at least one fluid, the at least one fluid being particularly intended to circulate through a heating device, such as a radiator of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device. Such a cooling module generally comprises a heat exchanger assembly traversed by the ambient air to cool at least one fluid, particularly a heat transfer fluid intended to cool a combustion engine or a refrigerant fluid intended for the HVAC device.

[0003] It is known to provide a device for controlling the circulation of airflow in the air intake path, the device comprising a box containing a plurality of movable shutters arranged in rows on a frame and controlled to selectively block and / or control the airflow upstream of the cooling module. A disadvantage of such controlled shutter boxes is that they require at least two different types of shutters, which have different sizes, or even more types if the device and / or the frame have a more complex structure involving variations in size (particularly length) between rows of shutters. It is worth noting that such a box includes a longer driving shutter connected to the actuator shaft and a shutter driven in rotation by a connecting rod, which has a mechanical relationship with the driving shutter, the driving shutter and the driven shutter. This means that the number of shutter types must be increased from one mode of box or device for controlling the circulation of airflow to another mode, and the cost of developing and manufacturing such parts is also high. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention falls into this background and aims to solve the above-mentioned disadvantages by proposing a box equipped with baffles which (in particular over the length of the baffles and / or in the direction of extension of the baffles) allow a modular assembly which is easy to assemble and can be manufactured at low cost to adapt to various cooling modules.

[0005] The invention relates to a box for a device for controlling airflow circulation in a vehicle, the box comprising a frame and a plurality of movable shutters arranged on the frame, at least two adjacent shutters being attached to each other and arranged one behind the other along a first axis. Each of the two shutters comprises a body having a first end portion and a second end portion along the first axis, the first end portion and the second end portion being opposite to each other and respectively comprising a first coupling member and a second coupling member of at least partially complementary shape, the end portions being configured such that the bodies of the two adjacent shutters are integrally and reversibly connected to each other at least by coupling a first coupling member of one of the two adjacent shutters to a second coupling member of the other of the shutters in a coupling zone, so that a movement applied to either of the two shutters, in particular a rotation about the first axis, is transmitted to the other of the shutters.

[0006] It is worth noting that the first coupling member and the second coupling member of at least one of the two adjacent shutters may be centered on the first axis.

[0007] It is worth noting that within the two adjacent baffles, the first connecting member or the second connecting member may have a cylindrical shape including at least one stopping device, and the other of the first connecting member and the second connecting member may have a hollow cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the first connecting member or the second connecting member, the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical shape includes a stopping element complementary to the stopping device, and the stopping element is configured to connect the two adjacent baffles together as a whole, so that the movement applied to any one of the two baffles, especially the rotation around the first axis, is transmitted to the other of the baffles.

[0008] The frame may further include at least one arm configured to cooperate with the first coupling member and / or with the second coupling member in a coupling region connecting the two adjacent shutters. It is worth noting that at least one of the first coupling member and / or the second coupling member may include a flange in the coupling region, which is configured to abut against the at least one arm in at least one of the directions defined by the first axis or in another direction.

[0009] The first end portion of each of the two adjacent baffles may further include at least one first component for transmitting motion, and the second end portion of each of the two adjacent baffles may further include at least one second component for transmitting motion, and at least the first transmission component of one of the two adjacent baffles is configured to cooperate with the second transmission component of the other of the two baffles in the connecting area.

[0010] The invention also relates to a device for controlling the circulation of an air flow in a vehicle, comprising a box as described above and at least one device for regulating the air intake of the air flow, the at least one device being configured to move at least one of two adjacent shutters, in particular by rotation about a first axis.

[0011] The invention also relates to a shutter for a box according to the invention or for a device for controlling airflow circulation in a vehicle. Such a shutter comprises a body extending along a first axis and having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to each other along said axis, the first end portion comprising a first coupling member configured to integrally and reversibly connect the body to an adjacent shutter arranged along the first axis, the second end portion comprising a second coupling member at least partially complementary in shape to the first coupling member, the second coupling member being configured to cooperate with the first coupling member of an adjacent shutter arranged along the first axis, the first coupling member and / or the second coupling member being in particular centered on the first axis.

[0012] It is noteworthy that the first end portion may further include at least one first component for transmitting motion, and the second end portion may further include at least one second transmission component, the first transmission component is configured to cooperate with a second transmission component of an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis, and the second transmission component is configured to cooperate with the first transmission component of an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis, and the first transmission component and the second transmission component are centered on a second axis different from the first axis.

[0013] The invention also relates to a device for circulating and / or thermally treating an air flow, comprising a device for controlling the circulation of an air flow as described above and / or at least one box and / or at least one shutter.

[0014] It is worth noting that such a device may include several rows of shutters, in particular several rows of horizontal shutters, and the geometry of at least one shutter in a row may be different from the geometry of at least one other shutter in the row or at least one shutter in an adjacent row.

[0015] Finally, the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device and / or an arrangement according to the invention for controlling the circulation of an air flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further details, features and advantages will become more apparent on reading the following detailed description given by way of non-limiting indication with respect to a number of different embodiment examples illustrated in the following drawings:

[0017] Figure 1is a schematic representation of the front face of a vehicle according to an embodiment, the vehicle comprising the arrangement and the control device according to the invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a simplified view of the control device including the box.

[0019] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a box including a plurality of shutters according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic front view of a box including a plurality of shutters according to the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of a shutter according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 is a schematic representation of an example coupling member of a shutter.

[0023] Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an example coupling member of a shutter.

[0024] Figure 8 is a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a shutter according to a second embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of a shutter according to a second embodiment cooperating with an adjacent shutter.

[0026] Fig.10 is a schematic representation of an example embodiment of a shutter according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 Schematically illustrated is an example embodiment of a vehicle 100, in particular a motor vehicle equipped with a cooling module 101, which can be fully or partially integrated into a cooling system of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) device and / or an engine. The cooling module 101 in particular comprises at least one heat exchanger 2, which is configured to perform heat exchanges with an external air flow FA passing through it according to requirements established according to the operating phase of the vehicle. Throughout the following description, the cooling module 101 is described as comprising a single heat exchanger 2. However, it should be understood that the invention is also applicable to cooling modules comprising a plurality of heat exchangers 2.

[0028] The device 102 comprises means 1 for controlling the circulation of an external air flow FA, in particular electrically, and at least a heat exchanger 2 can be configured to cool or heat said air flow FA. The device 102 further comprises a housing 3, which forms a distribution circuit for the external air flow FA, in which the control means 1 and the heat exchanger 2 are arranged. The housing 3 leads to a grille 4 of the vehicle 100, in particular to the front face of the vehicle 100, through which the device is supplied with the external air flow FA, and the control means 1 is arranged, for example, upstream of the heat exchanger 2 in the circulation direction of the external air flow FA.

[0029] Figures 2 to 10 A number of different examples and embodiments of the control device 1 according to the invention are presented in more detail. With reference to the orientations and directions defined above, the longitudinal direction is represented by the axis Ox and corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle, while the axes Oy and Oz represent the vertical direction and the lateral direction, respectively. These axes together define the reference system Oxyz shown in the relevant figures. Furthermore, the circulation direction of the external airflow is schematically represented by arrows. Finally, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are intended to distinguish similar elements, rather than to define a hierarchy of said elements.

[0030] In general, the control device 1 comprises a box 5, which comprises a frame 6 and a plurality of shutters 7, which are arranged on said frame 6 so as to be movable relative to the frame, i.e. so as to be movable between at least two different positions, as further explained below. Likewise, such shutters 7 are attached and removable relative to the frame 6. In addition, the device comprises means 11 for regulating the intake of the air flow FA, which are configured to move some or all of the shutters 7 of the box 5 so as to control said flow. The regulating means 11 in particular comprise at least one means 12 for driving at least one of the plurality of movable shutters 7, which at least one means can be actuated in particular by electrical control.

[0031] According to a non-limiting example embodiment, the frame 6 may comprise at least a first side 61, a second side 62, a third side 63 and a fourth side 64. The first side 61 and the second side 62 are opposite to each other and are connected together by the third side 63 and the fourth side 64. In the example shown, the frame 6 and in particular the sides 61, 62, 63, 64 of the frame 6 may therefore have, in a non-limiting manner, a continuous shape of a substantially parallelepiped, thereby defining an internal volume 600 of the control device, in which the plurality of shutters 7 are arranged. In particular, at least two opposite sides of the frame 6 may be configured to carry the adjustment means 11. In this case, these sides are the first side 61 and the second side 62.

[0032] Alternatively, if Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the frame 6 may further include at least one or more support arms 65 configured to cooperate with at least one of the plurality of baffles 7. Preferably, the frame 6 may include a plurality of support arms 65 distributed in the inner volume 600. These arms extend between two opposite sides, in this case between the third side 63 and the fourth side 64.

[0033] The box 5 comprises a plurality of movable shutters 7. In particular, according to the invention, the box 5 comprises at least two adjacent shutters 71, 72, which are arranged one behind the other along a first axis 100 and are configured to cooperate reversibly and integrally with each other, so that a movement applied to any one of the two shutters 71, 72 is transmitted to the other of the shutters. It is worth noting that one of the movements considered is a rotational movement around the first axis 100. The shutters are attached and removable relative to each other, so that their connection is reversible. Therefore, "adjacent" shutters 7 should be understood to mean shutters 7 that are arranged side by side along the first axis 100 and in particular directly cooperate with each other. The term "integrated" should be understood to mean that when one of the two shutters 7 is controlled to move (in this case a rotational movement), the other of the shutters is driven, for example, so as to perform the same movement in a synchronized manner. In other words, the shutters 7 that are integrally connected to each other in the direction defined by the first axis 100 move simultaneously relative to the frame 6 but do not move relative to each other. As further explained below, this connection is reversible in the case of assembling or disassembling the box 5. Such a principle provides a modular box 5 in which a plurality of shutters 7 can be stacked along the first axis 100 as required, for example in order to match the dimensions defined along this same axis of the frame 6, which in this case are in particular the length between the first side 61 and the second side 62 opposite each other. Thus, the invention advantageously makes it possible to increase the number of shutters stacked in the direction defined by the first axis as required, without having to develop new shutter types.

[0034] In addition, the box 5 may optionally include one or more rows 70, each row including one or more baffles 7. For example, such a row 70 may extend in a direction parallel to the first axis 100 and may be arranged side by side in a direction transverse to the first axis 100 (especially in a direction orthogonal to the first axis). For example, a given row may include a single baffle conventionally known in the prior art, or alternatively, at least two adjacent baffles 7 according to the present invention arranged one behind the other along an axis parallel to the first axis 100.

[0035] For the sake of clarity, the following description is made with reference to two adjacent specific shutters 7 of the plurality of shutters. However, it should be understood that the entire description applies, with appropriate modifications, to some or all of the plurality of shutters 7 of the cassette 5. In addition, the present invention also relates to a shutter configured to be used in a cassette 5 according to the present invention, i.e., a shutter configured to be stacked with one or more individual shutters 7 along a first axis 100. In addition, the entire content of the following description applies to such a shutter.

[0036] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, two adjacent shutters 7 have an elongated structure. Each of these shutters includes a body 8 having a first end portion 81 and a second end portion 82 opposite to each other along a first axis 100. The body 8 of the shutter 7 may include one or more blades mounted on a pivot 83 centered on the first axis 100. For example, at least one of the pivots 83 may be mounted on one of the sides of the frame 6 and / or one of the arms 65 and / or on a separate shutter, as described below. These arms 65 may then extend transversely or even orthogonally to the first axis 100 and carry the pivot 83 of at least one of the two adjacent shutters 7. The body 8 may have a flat or substantially flat shape. Alternatively, the body 8 may have a substantially curved shape.

[0037] Thus, at least the two adjacent shutters 7 are movably mounted relative to the frame 6, in particular pivotally mounted, for example, about the first axis 100, so as to move between the first position and the second position. The drive means 12 can engage some or all of the plurality of shutters 7 by driving, so as to selectively move them between the first position and the second position. As a non-limiting example, the drive means 12 may include a drive shaft and / or an actuator, such as a motor or any other electromechanical device (not shown).

[0038] In a first position, the shutter 7 restricts the external airflow through the frame 6, for example through the grille of the vehicle, while in a second position, the shutter 7 allows the airflow FA to circulate through the frame 6 and therefore through the grille of the vehicle, i.e. towards the heat exchanger 2. In other words, when the shutter 7 is moved to the first position, the control device 1 is in a "closed" configuration, thereby preventing the airflow FA from entering the device. Conversely, when the shutter 7 is moved to the second position, the control device 1 is in an "open" configuration, thereby allowing the airflow FA to circulate within the device 102, in particular through the control device 1 and the heat exchanger 2. It should be understood that, optionally, the control device 1 can also be configured to implement one or more "intermediate" configurations to ensure the circulation of a reduced external airflow FA compared to the open configuration, in particular depending on the requirements of the device or vehicle. In such a configuration, at least some of these shutters 7 of the plurality of shutters 7 can be moved to an intermediate position between the first position and the second position.

[0039] As described above, at least the two adjacent shutters 71, 72 are configured to cooperate with each other so that a motion applied to either of the two shutters is transferred to the other of the shutters. To this end, the first end portion 81 and the second end portion 82 of the shutter can be manufactured according to different embodiments.

[0040] according to Figures 4 to 7 In the first embodiment shown, the first end portion 81 comprises a first coupling member 84 and the second end portion 82 comprises a second coupling member 85 which is at least partially complementary in shape to the first coupling member 84. The coupling members within a given shutter and the members coupling one of the two shutters to the other are complementary in shape so that the two shutters can be connected to each other without any restrictions in terms of order. The first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 are particularly configured so that the bodies 8 of the two adjacent shutters 7 can be connected to each other by reversibly coupling the first coupling member 84 of one of the two adjacent shutters 7 with the second coupling member 85 of the other of the shutters 7 in the coupling zone. The term "coupling zone" is understood to mean a reversible connection zone between the first coupling member 84 of the shutter according to the invention and the second coupling member 85 of a separate shutter adjacent to the shutter in the direction defined by the first axis 100. For example, within the box 5, some or all of the shutters 7 of the plurality of shutters 7 may include at least one coupling zone, in particular one coupling zone or two coupling zones, depending on whether the shutter under consideration cooperates with one or more shutters 7 according to the invention. In other words, each shutter according to the invention may be reversibly connected to two separate shutters according to the invention via the first coupling member 84 on the one hand and the second coupling member 85 on the other hand so as to form a stack along the first axis 100 .

[0041] The first axis 100 crosses the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 of at least one of the two adjacent shutters 7. It is worth noting that the first coupling member and the second coupling member are centered on the first axis 100. Then, the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 can at least partially coincide with the pivot 83 of the shutter under consideration. In particular, when the shutters are assembled together (i.e. connected to each other in the coupling zone), the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 of the two adjacent shutters 7 are centered on the first axis 100. The coupling members belonging to the two adjacent shutters 7 are then aligned along the first axis 100. The first coupling member 84 can be arranged on the first plate 86 in the first end portion 81, while the second coupling member 85 is arranged on the second plate 87. The first plate 86 and the second plate 87 are connected to the body 8 and delimit the body in the direction defined by the first axis 100.

[0042] The visor according to the invention can be manufactured so that the assembly formed by the first coupling member 84, the body 8, and the second coupling member 85 forms a one-piece part. In other words, the first coupling member 84, the body 8, and the second coupling member 85 form a one-piece assembly, wherein the coupling member cannot be separated from the body of the visor without damaging or even destroying the body 8 of the visor under consideration. For example, the visor can be made of reinforced plastic material, in particular using any kind of fiber with a filling percentage of up to 50%.

[0043] The first coupling members 84 of at least two adjacent shields 71, 72 preferably have the same shape and / or size. Moreover, the second coupling members 85 of at least two adjacent shields preferably have the same shape and / or size, so that the shields can be connected to each other without any specific restrictions in terms of order.

[0044] The first coupling member 84 may have a cylindrical shape including at least one stop device 88. The second coupling member 85 may have a hollow cylindrical shape capable of receiving the first coupling member 84. The inner surface of the hollow cylindrical shape includes a stop element (not shown) complementary to the stop device 88. The stop device 88 and the stop element are advantageously configured to connect the two adjacent shutters 7 together in one piece so that the movement applied to any one of the two shutters 7, in particular the rotation around the first axis 100, is transmitted to the other of the shutters 7. In this sense, when the shutter moves, the stop element hinders the movement of the stop device 88 along the trajectory generated by the shutter, and vice versa. If one of the shutters 71, 72 moves, the stop element or the stop device applies a force on the other so as to drive the other of the shutters 71, 72. In this way, the shutters 71, 72 do not move relative to each other. It should be understood that the shapes of the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 can be reversed.

[0045] according to Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown in , the first coupling member 84 may have a cross-shaped profile, a star-shaped profile, or any other similarly shaped profile, the stop means 88 being formed by at least one branch of the profile. In this case, the term "profile" is understood to refer to the shape of the member in a plane orthogonal to the first axis 100. For example, the profile may be centered on the first axis 100. The inner surface of the hollow cylindrical shape of the second coupling member 85 may be inscribed in a profile that is at least partially complementary in shape to the profile of the first coupling member 84, the inner surface comprising a stop element complementary to the stop means 88 (for example, in this case one of the branches).

[0046] Alternatively or in combination, the stop means 88 may be a flat portion 881 on the first coupling member 84, such as Figure 5As shown. The inner surface of the hollow cylindrical shape of the second coupling member 85 may then be inscribed in a profile having a shape at least partially complementary to that of the first stop member, in particular complementary to a portion of the stop means 88 formed by the flat portion 881 .

[0047] Advantageously, if Figure 7 As shown, at least one arm 65 of the frame 6 or one of these arms 65 can be configured to cooperate with at least one coupling zone connecting the two adjacent shutters 7. Notably, the at least one arm 65 is configured to cooperate with the first coupling member 84 and / or with the second coupling member 85 within the coupling zone connecting the two adjacent shutters 7. For example, the arm 65 may include a recess or opening configured to receive the first coupling member 84 and / or the second coupling member. When the shutter under consideration includes two coupling zones, as described above, the box 5 can be configured so that multiple arms 65 of the body 8 cooperate with a given shutter, each arm being located in a separate coupling zone.

[0048] Optionally, in order to limit or even prevent at least one of the two adjacent shutters 7 from moving along the first axis 100, at least one of the first coupling member 84 and / or the second coupling member 85 includes a flange 89 in the coupling area. The flange 89 is configured to abut against at least one arm 65 in at least one direction or another direction defined by the first axis 100. The flange 89 extends transversely to (e.g., orthogonally to) the first axis 100. For example, the flange 89 can be included in the second coupling member 85, in particular at its free end. According to a non-limiting example embodiment, the flange 89 can have the shape of a ring that abuts all or part of the contour of the outer surface of the hollow shape of the second coupling member 85 capable of receiving the first coupling member 84. Alternatively, the flange 89 can be in the form of a protrusion that extends radially relative to the axis (the second coupling member is centered on the axis) and is arranged only on a part of the contour of the outer surface of the hollow shape of the second coupling member 85.

[0049] Alternatively or in combination, such a flange 89 may be included in the first coupling member 84, for example at the base of the cylindrical shape, near the first plate 86 and at a non-zero distance from the free end of the first coupling member 84. In addition, the arm 65 can then ensure, by means of the flange 89, the positioning of each shutter 7 in the direction defined by the first axis 100, so as to maintain the minimum interconnection required to transmit the rotary drive, since the arm 65 is subjected to the force generated by the air pressure, mainly when the shutter 7 is moved to the first position, that is, the control device 1 is in the "closed" configuration preventing the air flow FA from entering the device.

[0050] Thus, in the box 5 according to the invention, when a movement, in particular a rotational movement, is exerted on one of the two connected adjacent shutters 71, 72, said movement is transmitted to the other of said shutters 71, 72 via the shutter's own coupling members 84, 85 in the coupling zone. Figure 3 or Figure 4 In the example shown, the first baffle 71 is driven by the drive means 12 and is connected to the second baffle 72. The rotational movement around the first axis 100 can be applied to the first baffle 71 by the drive means 12, for example, at one of the pivots and / or at the first coupling member 84. The first baffle 71 pivots around the first axis 100, and the body 8 tilts so as to move between the first position and the second position. The first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 of the first baffle 71 pivot together. In the coupling area, the second coupling member 85 of the first baffle having a hollow cylindrical shape cooperates with the first coupling member 84 of the second baffle and in particular receives the first coupling member. The stop element in the inner surface of the hollow shape contacts the stop device 88 in the first coupling member 84 of the second baffle 72. When the first baffle 71 moves, the second baffle 72 is driven, and the second coupling member 85 of the first baffle 71 and the first coupling member 84 of the second baffle 72 are therefore configured so that the baffle 7 remains stationary relative to each other. Thus, the second shutter 72 is driven to move by the first shutter 71 so as to perform the same movement. Thus, the two shutters 7 form a subassembly of a plurality of shutters 7 included in a given row, which can move as a whole. This principle also applies when more than two shutters are stacked along the first axis 100.

[0051] Thus, in the box 5 according to the present invention, at least two adjacent baffles 7 can be stacked in the direction defined by the first axis 100. Advantageously, more baffles 7 can be stacked in this same direction. In addition, this principle can be repeated in one or more rows 70 of baffles 7 included in the box 5 and extending in a direction orthogonal to the first axis 100. In other words, the box 5 can include a plurality of subassemblies of adjacent baffles 7, each of which includes at least two baffles 7, which are connected to each other by a coupling zone as described above and stacked along an axis specific to the subassembly to form a row different from the rows of other subassemblies. It is worth noting that some or all of the axes specific to different rows (including the first axis 100) can extend parallel to each other. Therefore, the box 5 and the baffle 7 according to the present invention enhance the modularity of the device for controlling airflow, and the number of baffles 7 stacked in a row can be simply adapted by adding or removing baffles as needed. In this sense, the baffles 7 of a given row (i.e., the baffles stacked along a given axis) can have the same or different lengths corresponding to one size of the baffles along the axis. Furthermore, the box 5 may include rows of the same or different numbers of shutters 7 stacked one above the other. Alternatively or additionally, the box 5 may be configured to include rows of variable or equal size in the direction defined by the first axis 100. For example, the shape and / or size of the frame 6 may be set to accommodate a predetermined number of shutters 7 according to the present invention. Figure 3 A non-limiting example embodiment is shown in which the top row is intended to receive one less baffle 7 than the other rows, so that in this case the area without baffles serves as an area for fastening the frame 6 to the support portion. According to an alternative, the area without baffles can be intended for another requirement, such as a permanent airflow, a functional interface or a permanent obstruction, depending on the cooling requirements, in particular the cooling requirements of the heat exchangers exposed to the cooling airflow.

[0052] Alternatively, the size of the row can be adapted by simply adjusting the geometry and / or dimensions of at least one shutter 7, for example by modifying the dimensions of the shutter's body 8. Advantageously, the coupling member remains identical to the coupling member set out above, thereby avoiding the need to develop a completely new type, which tends to reduce design diversity.

[0053] Figures 8 to 10An exemplary embodiment of a second embodiment of a shutter according to the invention is shown. The second embodiment is similar to the embodiment set forth above, and the above description applies mutatis mutandis, in particular with regard to the coupling member. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first end portion 81 of each of the two adjacent shutters 7 further comprises at least one first member 91 for transmitting motion, and the second end portion 82 of each of the two adjacent shutters 7 further comprises at least one second member 92 for transmitting motion. The first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 are particularly complementary in shape, so that the first member of one of the two adjacent shutters 7 is configured to cooperate with the second transmission member 92 of the other of the two shutters 7 without constraints in terms of assembly sequence.

[0054] It should be noted that the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85 can have a profile as defined above, including the stop means 88 and the stop element, respectively. The first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 then participate in ensuring the transmission from one of the coupled shutters 7 to the other in combination with the first coupling member 84 and the second coupling member 85, the transmission members 91, 92 facilitating this movement.

[0055] Alternatively, the first coupling member 84 may have a simple cylindrical shape without the stop means 88, and the second coupling member 85 may have a complementary hollow cylindrical shape configured to receive the first coupling member 84. The first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 then completely perform a transmission function in which one of the shutters 7 is coupled to the other.

[0056] It is worth noting that a second axis 200, different from the first axis 100, traverses the first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 of the shutter under consideration. In particular, the first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 of the shutter under consideration are centered on the second axis 200. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second axis 200 extends parallel to or substantially parallel to the first axis 100. In other words, the second axis 200 is offset in position from the first axis 100 and / or the axis defined by the pivot. It is worth noting that the second axis 200 can be offset in position from at least one arm 65.

[0057] The first transmission member 91 may include a column, such as a cylindrical column. Similar to the first transmission member, the first transmission member 91 may be carried by the first plate 86. It is worth noting that the first transmission members 91 of at least two adjacent shutters 7 have the same shape and / or the same size. It is worth noting that the second transmission members 92 of at least two adjacent shutters 7 have the same shape and / or the same size.

[0058] The second transmission member 92 may include an aperture or, according to an alternative (not shown), a cavity configured to cooperate with the first transmission member 91. Optionally, the second transmission member 92 may be carried by the second plate 87. It should be noted that the shape of the first transmission member 91 and the shape of the second transmission member 92 may be reversed.

[0059] Advantageously, the shutter 7 can be shaped so that, when the box 5 is mounted in a control device or in an apparatus for circulating and / or thermally treating an airflow, the first axis 100 can be interposed in the circulation direction of the airflow between the first 91 and second 92 transmission members on the one hand and the heat exchanger 2 on the other hand. In other words, the first axis 100 is interposed between the second axis 200 and said heat exchanger.

[0060] Alternatively, if Fig.10 As shown by the dotted line in , the shutter 7 can be shaped so that, when the box 5 is installed in a control device or an apparatus for circulating and / or heat treating an airflow, the first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 are interposed between the first axis 100 and the heat exchanger 2 in the circulation direction of the airflow. In other words, the second axis 200 is interposed between the first axis 100 and the heat exchanger.

[0061] In this way, at least two adjacent shutters 7 can be selected to be adapted to the characteristics and / or dimensions specific to the control device 1 and / or the frame 6. For example, the positioning of the first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 can be defined according to the shape and / or position of one or more arms 65 in the frame 6. Moreover, the positioning of the first transmission member 91 and the second transmission member 92 can be defined according to the presence or absence of means for blocking particles and / or projectiles from passing through the frame 6, such as bars or fins of a "stone-proof" grille mounted near the box 5.

[0062] The principle of transmitting movement from one to the other of at least two shutters 71, 72 as recently described applies with appropriate modifications. In this case, when two adjacent shutters 71, 72 are stacked in the direction defined by the first axis 100 as described above, in the coupling zone, the coupling members 85, 86 and / or the transmission members 91, 92 connecting the first shutter 71 to the second shutter 72 ensure that the shutters remain integral with each other and immobile relative to each other. As described above, the second coupling member 85 of the first shutter 71 having a hollow cylindrical shape cooperates with the first coupling member 84 of the second shutter 72 and in particular receives the first coupling member. Moreover, the second transmission member 92 of the first shutter (in this case, an orifice included in the second plate 87) receives the first transmission member 91, and they are configured to limit or even prevent the movement of the first shutter 71 relative to the second shutter 72 in at least one direction orthogonal to the first axis 100. Optionally, the coupling members, the stop elements, and the stop means of the coupling zone can perform similar functions. When the first shutter 71 moves, the second shutter 72 is driven to move by the first shutter so as to perform the same movement. This principle also applies when more than two shutters 7 are stacked along the first axis 100.

[0063] The invention thus proposes a box for a device for controlling the circulation of an airflow (for example intended for a vehicle), the box comprising a plurality of shutters. Such a box comprises removable shutters, which are advantageously configured to be reversibly stacked in one direction so as to form one or more rows of modular size, within which the shutters move integrally, at least within one considered row. The invention advantageously enables the integration of the shutters according to the invention with boxes of variable models and sizes, by a low-cost solution that is simple to implement.

[0064] However, the present invention is not limited to the devices and configurations described and illustrated here, but it also applies to any equivalent devices or configurations and any technically feasible combination of such devices, as long as they ultimately perform the functions described and illustrated in this document.

Claims

1. A box (5) for a device for controlling air circulation of a vehicle, the box (5) comprising a frame (6) and a plurality of movable shutters (7, 71, 72) arranged on the frame (6), at least two adjacent shutters (71, 72) being attached to each other and arranged one behind the other along a first axis (100), each of the two shutters (71, 72) comprising a body (8) having a first end portion (81) and a second end portion (82) along the first axis (100), the first end portion and the second end portion being opposite to each other and respectively comprising first coupling portions of at least partially complementary shape. The end portions (81, 82) are configured such that the bodies (8) of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) are integrally and reversibly connected to each other at least by connecting the first connecting member (84) of one of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) to the second connecting member (85) of the other of the baffles (71, 72) in the connecting area, so that the movement applied to any one of the two baffles (71, 72), in particular the rotation around the first axis (100), is transmitted to the other of the baffles (71, 72).

2. A box (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein The first coupling member (84) and the second coupling member (85) of at least one of the two adjacent shutters (71, 72) are centered on the first axis (100).

3. A cassette (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Within the two adjacent baffles (71, 72), the first connecting member (84) or the second connecting member (85) has a cylindrical shape including at least one stopping device (88), and the other of the first connecting member (84) and the second connecting member (85) has a hollow cylindrical shape capable of receiving the first connecting member (84) or the second connecting member (85), the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical shape includes a stopping element complementary to the stopping device (88), and the stopping element is configured to integrally connect the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) together, so that the movement applied to any one of the two baffles (71, 72), especially the rotation around the first axis (100) is transmitted to the other of the baffles (71, 72).

4. A cassette (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The frame (6) further comprises at least one arm (65) configured to cooperate with the first coupling member (84) and / or with the second coupling member (85) in the coupling region connecting the two adjacent shields (71, 72).

5. A box (5) according to the preceding claim, wherein At least one of the first coupling member (84) and / or the second coupling member (85) comprises a flange (89) within the coupling region, the flange being configured to abut against the at least one arm (65) in at least one of the directions defined by the first axis (100) or in another direction.

6. A cassette (5) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first end portion (81) of each of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) further includes at least one first member (91) for transmitting motion, and the second end portion (82) of each of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) further includes at least one second member (92) for transmitting motion, and at least the first transmission member (91) of one of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72) is configured to cooperate with the second transmission member (92) of the other of the two baffles (71, 72) in the connection area.

7. A device for controlling the air flow circulation of a vehicle, comprising a box (5) as described in one of the preceding claims and at least one device (11) for adjusting the air intake of the air flow, the at least one device being configured to move at least one of the two adjacent baffles (71, 72), in particular by rotating around the first axis (100).

8. A shutter (7) for a box (5) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 or for a device for controlling air circulation in a vehicle as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that The baffle comprises a body (8) extending along a first axis (100) and having a first end portion (81) and a second end portion (82) opposite to each other along the axis, the first end portion (81) comprising a first connecting member (84) configured to integrally and reversibly connect the body (8) to an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis (100), the second end portion (82) comprising a second connecting member (85) at least partially complementary in shape to the first connecting member (84), the second connecting member being configured to cooperate with the first connecting member (84) of an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis (100), the first connecting member (84) and / or the second connecting member (85) being particularly centered on the first axis (100).

9. The shutter (7) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The first end portion (81) further includes at least one first member (91) for transmitting motion, and the second end portion (82) further includes at least one second transmission member (92), the first transmission member (91) being configured to cooperate with a second transmission member (92) of an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis (100), and the second transmission member (92) being configured to cooperate with the first transmission member (91) of an adjacent baffle arranged along the first axis (100), the first transmission member (91) and the second transmission member (92) being centered on a second axis (200) different from the first axis (100).

10. An apparatus for circulating and / or thermally treating a gas stream, characterized in that: The device comprises a device for controlling the circulation of an air flow as claimed in claim 7 and / or at least one box (5) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6 and / or at least one shutter (7) as claimed in claim 8 or 9.

11. The device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The device comprises several rows of shutters (7), in particular several rows of horizontal shutters, and the geometry of at least one shutter (7) in a row is different from the geometry of at least one other shutter in the row or at least one shutter in an adjacent row.

12. A motor vehicle comprising a device for controlling air flow circulation as claimed in claim 7 and / or an apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or 11.

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